Bisporella citrina - Биспорелла лимонная - Lemon Disco Fungus

Bisporella citrina - Биспорелла лимонная - Lemon Disco Fungus - Zitronengelbe Schüsselchenflechte 9/8/16—10/26/24

Bisporella citrina is a small, cup-shaped fungus belonging to the family Helotiaceae within the order Helotiales of the Ascomycota phylum. Its fruiting bodies, called apothecia, typically range from 2-8mm in diameter and are bright yellow to orange-yellow in color. The texture of the apothecia is initially waxy and later becomes tough and brittle. Bisporella citrina is a saprotrophic fungus, playing an essential role in decomposing wood and contributing to nutrient cycling within ecosystems. It typically grows on decaying wood, particularly on fallen branches and logs in forested areas. B. citrina is most commonly found during late summer and autumn months. The spores of B. citrina are released from the asci, which are housed in the apothecia. Each ascus contains eight ascospores that are discharged explosively and can travel up to 10cm from the fruiting body. The ascospores of B. citrina have been shown to be dispersed by wind, with a peak release in the morning hours. Bisporella citrina is not known to be toxic, but it is not considered an edible species due to its tough texture and small size. The Lemon Disco Fungus is not of significant economic importance, but it is a fascinating subject for photographers and naturalists. Bisporella citrina is widely distributed and has been recorded in many countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. However, its distribution is not well-known in some regions. A study in the Czech Republic found that B. citrina was the most common species among the discomycetes growing on decaying wood in forests, accounting for over 40% of the species recorded. In summary, Bisporella citrina is a small but visually striking fungus that plays an essential role in nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems. Its spores are dispersed explosively, and it is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. While not of significant economic importance, B. citrina is a fascinating subject for photographers and naturalists.